This is a paradox right? *Checks definition of paradox
“a seemingly absurd or contradictory statement or proposition which when investigated may prove to be well founded or true.”
Yeah it is a paradox, no wonder it never sounded right to me. Just an excuse in my mind by people to get out of hard work despite complaining about their circumstances. Look if you are happy with your condition and choose not to do anything about it, even though wholly capable, that is great! Power to you taking control over your life and deciding what makes you happy. However if you are unhappy with your condition and choose not to do anything about it, even though wholly capable, please stop complaining and just do something about it.
I am not saying it to be harsh or a drill instructor, I am letting you know you can take control and just do it. I get that for some the above excuse is not used to get out of hard work, it probably has to do with the sheer anxiety of exposing your own fitness in front of others. Some may have preconceived notions of what going to the gym is, well as someone who has experienced the gym from various different levels, from beginner, to fit, to fat and beyond let me please address some of those fears.
Other patrons do not care about your size
People going to the gym are doing so to work on themselves. They have no interest in body shaming anyone. You will probably spend more time observing them to see if they are looking at you. I can assure you they are not, focus on yourself and your own workout.
I do not know WTF I am doing
No one knows what they are doing when starting anything. The beauty of it is discovering and improving time after time. Generally gym goers are always good for a helping hand and if not Instructors are there to help and can come up with a plan and offer advice that fits your goals and lifestyle.
The place is full of fitness fanatics and I’ll never look like them
If anything you know the equipment works at least. However while you can come across some people seemingly made from granite, more often then not you will meet the average Joe/Jill Soap who goes up for the peace of mind. Good thing is, in Ireland we have gyms everywhere, so shop around and you will find the right one for you.
It can be too expensive
If you pay for a membership and go once then, yes, it is too expensive . However if you keep consistent then you get more value for your buck. Currently I pay €40 a month, I go about 5 times a week, that is a measly €2 a day. You are probably spending nearly three times that on coffee everyday.
I do not have the time
Ok this one may be a genuine fear for some. Long hours, long commute, kids waiting at home, it can be tough. I like to think if you make the time now, you will get it back in the future. The hardest part is the decision to get your gear on, after that ,the actually workout will be fine.
I will have to give up what I love doing
It is not giving up what you love doing, it is finding balance in your life. Too much of anything leads to unhealthy lifestyle, gym included in my opinion. Yes if you want serious bodily changes then sacrifices will have to be made, however it is important to note , going gym is not solely just for physical gains. I have been there struggling to get out of bed, only for an hour and a half later come skipping out of the gym. Its personal productivity at it finest, it is taking control.
I know these excuses, because I have used these excuses. It can be easier to offer excuses then just face reality sometimes. I literally stopped getting into photos or even looking at myself in the mirror as my body reflected my mind, sloppy. The reality is that exercising not only allowed me to drop weight, but also helps me decrease stress & sleep better while increasing self-esteem and self-confidence. For me I found what helps, and that is the gym.
So if you find yourself wanting a change or thinking about joining a gym, I hate to steal a line from Nike but just do it. The only thing stopping you is that person you see that stares back at you in the mirror.